Bryan Robson: 'Robin van Persie is up there with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo'

Former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson has hailed the impact that Robin van Persie has made at Old Trafford since his move from Arsenal.

The Dutchman joined for £24m in the summer and is the Premier League's top scorer.

"When he played for Arsenal you could see Robin had that bit of class," Robson told the Daily Star. "He could score a goal out of nothing.

"But since he moved to United, I've appreciated what all Arsenal fans thought of him. His awareness, the way he brings people into the game, it's just brilliant. He creates goals, he scores goals and they are all types of goals.

"For me he is right up there with Ronaldo and Messi."

Van Persie will spearhead United's attack when they take on fierce rivals Liverpool this afternoon.